Of course this in no way justifies such behaviour, nor does it minimise the chilul Hashem caused by such behaviour.

Personally, I think there is also another major factor at play when religious people (try to) cheat the system - they feel that it is not their system, and that the 'system' does not represent them. When people feel disenfranchised they are more likely to commit crimes. If they feel that the legal system and police force does not represent them, people are more likely to either take law into their own hands, or ignore laws and rules and rights.

Unfortunately in Israel many of the various segments of religious society feel that they are not represented by the justice system. And once the rules don't apply - well the mishna in Avot says it best:

"Rabbi Chanina taught: "Pray for the welfare of the government, for without fear of governmental authorities people would swallow each other alive" (3:2)."

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Rabbi Sedley

David Sedley lives in Jerusalem with his wife and children. He teaches and tutors and continues writing, translating and editing books. He also gives a shiur on webyeshiva.org. In addition he is involved with FullFrameMedia.org, an organisation showing the narratives and lives of Israelis and Palestinians.